Planet America - Season 12 / Year 2025

Trump shrugs off ethics concerns as he cashes in on crypto, while House Republicans pass tax cuts for the rich in their "big, beautiful bill". Plus another Oval Office ambush as Trump clashes with South Africa's Ramaphosa over "white genocide" claims.

The backlash against Black Lives Matter: Five years after the death of George Floyd, has anything changed? Plus Trump loses patience with Putin and risks a trade war with Europe over tariffs, and RFK Jr vows to make America healthy again - but will it work?

Elon is exiled and Trump's trade war heads to the courts. We talk to Ilya Somin: the lawyer who helped strike down Trump's tariffs. Plus the mystery of America's missing workers who disappeared after COVID and never returned. We ask political economist Dr Nick Eberstadt why that matters.

Is a US-China war over Taiwan "imminent"? We ask former US Ambassador to China, Nick Burns. Also, the trade war continues as Trump doubles down on tariffs, while Elon Musk turns nuclear on the "big, beautiful bill". And Trump amplifies another conspiracy theory that an 'executed' Biden was replaced by clones.

Musk calls for Trump's impeachment. What happened? We ask New York Times Congressional Correspondent Catie Edmondson. Also, Trump issues a new travel ban and orders an inquiry into Joe Biden's "cognitive decline".

The California Governor slams Trump after Marines deployed to LA. Wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia returns from El Salvador to face criminal charges and tensions cool after Elon Musk's break-up with his former boss.

Trump's use of California's National Guard is ruled illegal, but will his politicization of America's military continue? We ask Republican defense expert Kori Schake. Also, Israel v Iran, the latest on the trade wars and as the Newsom-Trump brawl continues - is the California Governor positioning himself for the presidency?

As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, so does another conflict among Trump's MAGA movement. Also, after the assassination of Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman, we speak to her friend and colleague Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about the increase in political violence. Plus millions protest in 'No Kings' rallies across the country, while Trump's military parade is out of step with reality.

Will he or won't he? As Trump decides whether to attack Iran, we ask former a Obama aide about the risks of another Middle East war. Plus on the 10-year anniversary of Trump's golden escalator moment in NY, we talk to his former campaign advisor Sam Nunberg about the day America's political landscape was changed forever.

From bunker-busting bombs to F-bombs, Trump lashes out at Israel and Iran over ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, leaked intelligence disputes Trump's claim that US bombs "obliterated" Iran's nuclear sites. So, is the nuclear program still intact? Plus a judge orders the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and Melina Wicks explains the Supreme Court case that could have massive implications for birthright citizenship.

Trump unleashes on the media while doubling down on US "obliteration" of Iran's nuclear sites. We ask a leading Middle East intelligence expert about the real state of Iran's nuclear program. Plus who is the socialist former rapper on track to become New York City's first Muslim Mayor? (Midseason Final)

Trump accused of a cover-up over the Epstein files; what the decision to send more weapons to Ukraine means and is the Commander-in-Chief now the Editor-in-Chief? The news giants caving to Trump's war on the media.

Look over there! Trump deploys weapons of mass distraction as MAGA outrage over Epstein escalates. We ask investigative journalist Tara Palmeri about the president's unconvincing denials. And as Trump goes to war with Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell, we discuss the fallout with economist Justin Wolfers.

Trump's war on climate science and the implications of scrapping carbon regulations. Also, Trump's call for sport teams to revert to their former racist names. Plus the latest on tariffs, Democrats' woeful polling and whether Kamala Harris is gearing up to run for president again in 2028.

You're fired! Trump defends shooting the messenger after weak jobs report. We ask former Labor Dept. Chief Economist Betsey Stevenson about the true state of the US economy. Also, is US sentiment shifting on Gaza? Plus the Epstein files scandal that just won't go away.

Showdown in Texas: how gerrymandering is reshaping the political map and the future of Trump's presidency. As the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deadline nears, Trump touts a face-off with Putin. Plus the Democrats gearing up for 2028.

On the run! Texas Democrats risk jail to stop Trump rigging the next election. Also, is Putin calling the shots? What to expect at the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Plus the debate over recreational marijuana.

Trump mobilises the National Guard in DC crackdown but is crime really out of control in America's capital? California's Governor fights fire with fire but will Newsom's plan to counter the Texas gerrymander backfire? Plus 'Trump Whisperer' Salena Zito on Trump's supporters.

No ceasefire and no sanctions. Did Putin give Trump a lesson in the art of the "no deal"? Plus the growing threat of inflation as tariffs start to bite, and why Trump's crackdown on immigrants could make the problem worse.

No peace in sight. Did the Trump-Zelenskyy talks achieve anything? Also Russiagate revisited: is it a genuine scandal or just a distraction from the Epstein files? Plus California Governor Gavin Newsom fights back in response to Texas Republicans.

Ghislaine Maxwell praises Trump and claims there was no "client list". Trump vows to ban mail-in-voting for future elections. Plus redistricting and how California Governor Newsom trolled his way to the top of social media.

Did Donald Trump really end 7 wars in 7 months? Turmoil at the CDC prompts mass staff walkout. Plus as Elon Musk backs away from starting a rival party we ask whether third parties have a future in American politics.

Firings and mass walkouts amid turmoil at the Centres for Disease Control, while Health Secretary RFK Jr stokes fears about vaccines. Plus Trump furious after a court rules most of his global tariffs are illegal and the plot thickens following the FBI raids on John Bolton.

Pressure mounts on Congress to unseal the files as Epstein survivors gather in Washington. Also, Trump responds to viral rumours about his "death", plus how a president can be removed if they're not up to the job, as well as Trump's tariffs on the ropes.

President Trump escalates his war on cartels and threatens sending in the troops to Chicago, but is any of it legal? Plus the key moments from RFK Jr's train wreck Senate hearing and the push for him to resign.

America divided as the assassination of pro-Trump activist Charlie Kirk leads to a bitter blame game. Is this a new era of political violence? Also, Trump's extensive use of emergency powers - can he just do whatever he wants? Plus America's mission to return to the moon.

How influential was Charlie Kirk on the MAGA movement? Chas and John discuss Kirk's controversial legacy and America's deep divide as the political fallout over Kirk's assassination continues. Plus Trump's bold and expensive plan to turbocharge his mass deportation machine.

Censor-in-chief? Trump's warning to TV networks after Jimmy Kimmel is pulled off air. Also, was it a drone, a meteor, or a UFO? We talk mystery UFO sightings and the search for extra-terrestrial life. Plus cracks in America's mental health system.

Trump's push to go after his opponents leaves Republicans divided. We ask Trump's former White House lawyer Ty Cobb Is free speech under attack? How FCC chair Brendan Carr took down Jimmy Kimmel, plus Trump's war with Antifa.

"I'm not afraid". Defiant ex-FBI boss James Comey indicted as Trump goes after his political enemies. Also, Jimmy Kimmel is back on air, we get a MAGA perspective on why the two sides are more polarised than ever. Plus Trump's unproven autism claims.

Trump warns "there will be others" after the indictment of ex-FBI chief Comey. Could the case end in humiliation for Trump's DOJ? An update on the Epstein files as Democrats release new evidence. Plus Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night TV, while NYC Mayor Eric Adams slips out the side door. John Barron is joined by guest co-host Jade Macmillan.

The cult of conspiracy: how QAnon crept into mainstream politics and why it continues to take a toll. Also, the government shutdown and Trump's "unprecedented opportunity" to punish Democrats. Plus should ICE agents be banned from wearing masks?

The government shutdown turns into a showdown over healthcare. Also, Trump advances plans to send troops into another American city, while the military destroys another 'drug-smuggling' boat off the coast of Venezuela.

Is the mystery surrounding the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart about to be solved? Also, the latest on the Gaza ceasefire deal, Trump's efforts to ramp up the National Guard plus the Big Pharma showdown - will Trump's plan bring medicine prices down?

Trump's peace plan achieves a breakthrough in Gaza, but is it "everlasting"? Meanwhile, there's no peace in Washington as the shutdown continues, plus another Trump enemy is crossed off the list after the indictment of NY Attorney General Letitia James.

Israel and Hamas trade blame over ceasefire violations: Can Trump's truce hold the peace? Also, the media mass walkout at the Pentagon, the scandal engulfing Democrats in Virginia and why Ronald Reagan's Star Wars program never got off the ground.

Trump mulls a land attack on Venezuela after admitting he sent in the CIA. Does this mean war? Millions march against Trump in 'No Kings' rallies as the government shutdown drags on. Plus John Bolton pleads not guilty while a very guilty George Santos walks free.

Trump sends in a wrecking crew to demolish the historic East Wing of the White House. Also, the racist group chat exposing what Young Republicans said when they thought nobody was listening, Trump's $230 million claim against the DOJ and the 'Mississippi Miracle' - how America's poorest state saw a dramatic rise from the bottom of the education rankings.

Private donors are paying for the White House ballroom and even the US military. Who are they and what do they get in return? And is any of it legal? Plus as the shutdown threatens food stamps, relations between America and Canada sink to new lows over the "hostile act" of a Canadian TV ad.

Voters head to the polls in New York, New Jersey and Virginia, while a crucial vote on redrawing state boundaries gets underway in California. Meanwhile Trump ponders a third term as rumblings about 2028 gain momentum. Chas and John discuss the week with Politico's NYC reporter Jeff Coltin and political scientist Lee Drutman.

Testing times as Trump talks up nuclear options for weapons and ending the government shutdown. Also, is New York ready for a Democratic Socialist Mayor? Plus the other elections with far-reaching consequences and what Trump's deal with Xi did and didn't agree on.

Big wins for Democrats in NYC, Virginia and New Jersey as voters reject Trump. What does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party and what are the lessons for the GOP? We ask former NY Governor George Pataki. Also, Trump's plan for a more aggressive crackdown on migrants and California's new gerrymander leaves Republicans scrambling.

The longest government shutdown in US history looks set to end, but not everyone's happy. Chas and John discuss the fallout and last week's election backlash against Trump with a Democratic and Republican strategist. Also, former Speaker Pelosi retires, and Marjorie Taylor Greene responds to rumours that she's running for president.

Democrats face the fallout as the longest shutdown in US history finally ends. Congress is set to vote on releasing the Epstein files after emails allege Trump "knew about the girls". Plus what does Trump's firing of the Inspectors-General means for government accountability?

Nothing to hide" - Trump backflips on Epstein files and tells House Republicans to vote for their release. Meanwhile, Trump's feud with former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene fuels a new MAGA rift. With special guest Gloria Allred; lawyer for Epstein's victims.

How did Jeffrey Epstein get so rich? We ask about the sex trafficker's alleged work with Israeli intelligence and why mainstream media is largely ignoring it. Plus Trump signs the bill to release the Epstein files, but what should we expect?